Focus on Forestry, wildlife, and natural resource managmentPlan of Work

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Bell County CES

Title:
Focus on Forestry, wildlife, and natural resource managment
MAP:
Animal Science, Natural resources and environmental education
Agents Involved:
Brian Good, Michelle Brock and Rebecca Miller
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

According to the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Bell County is situated atop an abundance of natural resources; with almost 200,000 acres of forest land, lakes, streams, a state park and a national park, Bell Countians need to understand the importance of our environment and its role in our economy and everyday life. People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations. Also, a needs assessment conducted by the Bell County Extension service revealed that the community wanted less illegal dumping and littering in our communities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Land owners, youth, and citizens practice proper environmental stewardship that will conserve natural resources and the productivity of the land while maximizing the economic and social benefits.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Land owners, youth, and citizens practice proper environmental stewardship that will conserve natural resources and the productivity of the land while maximizing the economic and social benefits.

Initial Outcomes:

Community leaders, landowners, youth, and citizens will gain knowledge of the use of recommended management practices and the effect of the proper use of these practices on the environment. Community leaders, land owners, youth and citizens value proper environmental stewardship practices and become aware of the impact of the decisions they make on the environment.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Landowners and citizens gain knowledge and implement recommended environmental management practices, such as BMP's of timber harvesting and agricultural operations.

Indicator: Number of clients implementing these practices

Method: Program participation, Home/Farm Visits, surveys, and individual contacts

Timeline: on going


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of native trees, fauna, and flora of the forests of Southeast Kentucky

Indicator: Participation in 4-H Projects, Judging Teams, Environmental Camps and School Enrichment

Method: Program participation, 4-H Projects, Individual Contacts

Timeline: summer


Initial Outcome: Recommended management practices and proper environmental stewardship will be implemented by clientele.

Indicator: Clientele will reproduce practices they have learned through ag extension programs.

Method: Verbal, farm visits, student report

Timeline: on going

Learning Opportunities:


Audience: general public, youth

Project or Activity: Tree grafting

Content or Curriculum: UK Pubs

Inputs: volunteers, agents, schools

Date: on going : Spring 2025


Audience: 4-H youth

Project or Activity: Project Wild

Content or Curriculum: Project wild resource guide

Inputs: volunteers, agents, schools, community partners

Date: July 2024-June 2025


Audience: 4-H youth

Project or Activity: 4-H outdoor skills club

Content or Curriculum: UK pubs

Inputs: volunteers, agents, schools, community partners

Date: July 2024-June 2025


Audience: 4-H youth/ primary grades

Project or Activity: 4-H life cycle of a butterfly

Content or Curriculum: UK publication

Inputs:  agents and schools

Date: Spring 2025



Audience: Adults and Teens

Project or Activity: Beekeepers Club

Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum 

Inputs:  agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers

Date: July 2024, June 2025


Audience: Adults and Teens

Project or Activity: Mushroom Series

Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum 

Inputs:  agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers

Date: July 2024, June 2025


Audience: Adults and Teens

Project or Activity: Kentucky Native Plants

Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum 

Inputs:  agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers

Date: July 2024, June 2025



Success Stories

Mushroom Log Inoculation

Author: Michelle Brock

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Mushroom Log Inoculation

Our mushroom log inoculation program which occurred in late winter was an engaging, hands on educational program that introduces participants to the fascinating world of fungi cultivation. During the program, participants learn how to inoculate logs with mushroom spores, a process that allows mushrooms to grow and fruit over time. This hands-on experience often proves to be both enjoyable and rewarding, as participants get to witness the transformation of ordinary l

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